I'm looking to buy a used F-150 in the next couple months but am having trouble deciding on what I need. I know I want an ext. cab, preferably Flare side. I want to be able to safely tow a 3000lb boat while carrying 4 adults. Most towing would be short range (20 miles or less) with possible excursions of 3-500 miles (possibly further). Auto tranny sounds like a necessity to get the tow rating I need. 90% of driving will be without boat so mpg i important. I'm looking for suggestions on whether I would have enough power with the V6 (with air and exhaust mods) or should I go with the 4.6 and eat the mpg's? I've driven an ext cab v6 auto and a std cab v6 5spd (neither towing) and it seemed to have all the power I care to have for regular driving but I'm concerned about the extra weight while towing. I'm currently used to towing 1800lbs with a 3.0 ranger 5spd.

 

well . . you're going to get a lot of V-8 guys telling you about how you can't tow with a V-6 . . . however, with something as light as you're talking about, and since (like everyone) your truck is most NOT towing or hauling, a V-6 should work out nicely . . the worst that can happen is that you would need to tow without overdrive . . my brother doesn't use overdrive when he tows with his V-8 either . . .

 

I just got rid of a '98 F150 SuperCab, XLT, V6, 5-spd, shortbed, 2 wheel drive, with a 3:08 gear...and it pulled an 18 ft. travel trailer loaded with a weeks worth of gear without any trouble. The bed was loaded with moubtian bikes, and about half a cord of firewod!
Performance and steering were just fine!
On some very looooong and mildly steep upgrades it was neccessary to downshift into 4th...but the truck kept up, and the mileage was fairly reasonable too.

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'98 F150 XLT Supercab
Styleside-Shortbed-4x2
4.2L, 5-Spd, 3:08 Rear

 

You should be fine with the V-6. I was towing a 4500lb boat for four years without problems and it also had the five speed manual. It was supposed to be a short term vehicle but worked well as I was only towing mostly flat ground 25 miles each way. Would have given anything anything for an automatic on the launch ramp though. We sold our tent trailer and decided on a new truck for a travel trailer which meant V-8 and an automatic. If your gasoline prices are rising anywhere near as fast as ours, the V-6 would be an excellent choice.
Regards,
Ron

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Y2k F150 XLT SC/SB. Harvest Gold/Cab Hi Vista Camper Shell.
5.4 Triton V8 AT/3.55 Limited Slip/Tow Package.265/70R16 Pathfinders.
Ford molded Mud Guards/Rear Splash Shield kit. Bugflector II. Tekonsha
Sentinel Trailer Brake Controller. 1.42" YL3Z Radiator.

Other Toys:
1996 Trophy 20'Sportfisher
2000 Companion 23' Travel Trailer
2001 Honda XR400 (Street Legal)